5 Myths About Pet Quarantine

What is Pet Quarantine Really Like?

We field lots of questions from pet owners who are starting to plan their international pet travel adventures, and more often than not concerned pet parents wonder about quarantine. Is it necessary? Is it terrible? How can it be avoided, or at least handled safely?

Read on to see a few common misconceptions about pet quarantine along with our tips and advice for carrying out quarantine with as little stress as possible.

Most people feel better once they've faced these myths and facts head on (and we think you will, too).

Myth #1: Every country requires pet quarantine upon arrival.

Many pet owners researching international pet travel assume that every country requires quarantine upon arrival, but the truth is that only a handful really do.

Moving to strict rabies-free countries like Australia, New Zealand and Singapore means fulfilling a few days’ quarantine, but for most places in North America, South America, the EU and much of the rest of Europe and Asia, there is no quarantine. Look up your destination country or check with the relevant Ministry of Agriculture to find out if there is a quarantine. (Note: Sometimes the quarantine requirements depend on the country of origin.)

Myth #2: Quarantine facilities are basically like jail.

Not true. Quarantine facilities are government run facilities staffed by trained professionals, and while they’re not as posh as a nice pet hotel, they are simple, safe and sufficient -- they'll probably just remind you of a standard boarding facility with dog runs, separate cat areas and outdoor yard space allowing for fresh air and exercise. Want to see some examples? Read about Archie’s time in Malaysia quarantine and check out this video of Tilly in Australia quarantine for a look behind the scenes.

Myth #3: Pets are forever changed after spending time in quarantine.

In our experience, pets do just fine during and after fulfilling their quarantines. Time and again through post move updates, pet owners tell us that it was tough to be apart from their pets, but their furry family members stayed healthy and ultimately life was able to go back to normal very quickly upon their release. (Just ask Kuro, a Pomeranian who moved to Perth and "Singapore kitty" Purrla.)

Myth #4: If I pay extra fees or get “special” paperwork, I might be able to avoid quarantine.

No matter how rich or famous you are, it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to be excused from a country’s official pet import rules. If you plan everything correctly your pet will only need to face the minimum quarantine (which is often just 7-10 days), but never count on finding a way to skip it altogether.

Myth #5: Pets won’t be able to get their own food or medicine while in quarantine.

Each station has its own rules, but health and safety are priorities at each. Examples: Kuala Lumpur Animal Quarantine Station (KLAQS) allows visitors each day, so we recommend that you or your pet agent administer any necessary medication during visits (this facility also accommodates special food requests).

Australia quarantine stations do not allow visitors at this time, but the staff will administer medication provided you supply detailed instructions, and you'll have the opportunity to make a special dietary request when you apply for your import permit. Overall, when making reservations, find out the rules of the facility well in advance so that you can adequately prepare.

Takeaways

Research the import requirements via the USDA or Ministry of Agriculture for the country to which you’re moving to find out if quarantine is necessary; if it is, find out as much as you can about the facility and its procedures in order to streamline the process and avoid problems.

Start this research early in the process, as many facilities see high numbers of pets passing through and have waiting lists during busier times of the year.

Quarantine rules can change at any time (just like general pet import requirements), so make sure you’re working with the most up-to-date information.

Read about the experiences of others by searching online for expat blogs, and check out our customer experiences for detailed insights.

Finally, especially when a pet move involves quarantine, we recommend hiring expert help to guide you. With experience navigating the quarantine process, pet travel specialists can facilitate a less stressful quarantine and overall relocation for pets and pet owners.

Have questions about pet quarantine or pet travel in general? Contact us for a consultation.

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Comments

I am researching relocation for my two Great Danes to Australia.
I have read on this site that they need to be quarantined for 190 days after their titer blood work. Does that mean that we will be without them for 6 months prior to our move and 10 days on arrival to Australia?Thank you,Melissa McCorkle Reply

By bethany@petrelocation.com on May 18, 2017 at 9:15 am

Hello Melissa, thanks for reaching out to us with your question! There is only an actual quarantine time of 10 days, once your dogs arrive in Australia. The remaining 180 days of "quarantine period" would actually be spent at your home in the country of origin. In that time, however, there are still quite a few steps that must be completed (i.e. parasite treatments and blood tests) to meet Australia's strict import requirements (https://www.petrelocation.com/country/australia). I hope this helps! If you'd like to get a quote or speak with Maegan Covelli, our Australia Consultant, please feel free to fill out our online consultation form (https://www.petrelocation.com/arrange). Reply

By Anuska Sampath on May 30, 2017 at 2:02 pm

Hello , I am looking to relocate to Canada with my two Amazon parrots, I've read on the CFIA website that they are required to undergo 45 days minimum quarantine. I am skeptic about this procedure as I have not travelled with pets before. Will they be required to spend the entire 45 days duration in the quarantine facility or can they be quarantined "at home" in the country of relocation? Does quarantine facilities allow owners to visit their pets? I am very concerned about the quarantine process and the stresses that can impact on my pets.Looking forward to your reply.Thank you.Reply

By caitlin@petrelocation.com on May 30, 2017 at 2:38 pm

Thank you for your question! It sounds like you may have already seen it, but just in case, here is a link to the official Canada pet import site: http://www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/terrestrial-animals/imports/policies/live-animals/pets/birds-other/eng/1326819245810/1326819465543.The regulations will depend on your origin country, but per this website, it sounds like the quarantine is a home quarantine provided the authorities are given access to the birds when needed and the home meets all appropriate conditions.If you'd like some help carrying out your move, you can contact us here for a consultation: https://www.petrelocation.com/arrange.Good luck and let us know if we can be of assistance! Reply

By Bec on July 11, 2017 at 4:46 am

Moving to the US with my 7 year old English Staffy. I can find lots of into on how to handle the move into the US. But the info coming back into Australia with him in approx 2 years time is hard to find info on. I've reviewed your information and I read it as they only need to be in quarantine for 10 days? Is that all? Does that depend on where they are flying from (San Fran)? Maybe it's a myth but I thought it was more like 100 days? Is there only one stage of quarantine after this new facility in Victoria you discuss?Reply

By caitlin@petrelocation.com on July 11, 2017 at 8:45 am

Hi Bec, thanks for your questions!

Only 10 days of the quarantine period actually take place in the quarantine facility in Australia. The days leading up to this are often referred to as part of the quarantine, but your dog will be at home with you in California and you'll just be completing the various health requirements and gathering all the correct paperwork, etc.

Hope that helps. Let us know if you have more questions or if you'd like some assistance with your move!

Coming back from trip to Poland, my kids adopted a puppy from a rescue shelter. Pup will be a little over 4 months old, has all vaccines up to date, health papers and all. My question is, are all dogs detained for the quarantain upon arrival to USA? Thank you for the response.Reply

By caitlin@petrelocation.com on July 27, 2017 at 9:03 am

Hi Joanna, thanks for the question!

There is no quarantine required for pets entering the United States. Please take a look at the import requirements here and let us know if you'd like some assistance arranging your move!